Chapter 178: Wei Qing Appointed Chancellor

Chen Wensheng and Li Xiangtian grew increasingly arrogant and domineering in the court.

Apart from Emperor Liu Ju, the two basically didn't put anyone in their eyes.

And Emperor Liu Ju, who puzzled the officials, also chose to turn a blind eye.

At the court assembly, when Xu Wei proposed to streamline the procurement process for the Grand Canal's materials to accelerate the project's progress.

Chen Wenjin immediately jumped out to oppose, loudly shouting: "What do you know? This procurement process is of great importance; how can it be changed just because you say so? Could it be that you've taken some bribes and want to profit from it?"

Xu Wei was made to blush and feel embarrassed by Chen Wenjin's sudden accusation; he wanted to retort, but Li Xiangtian beside him sneered: "Hmph, some people just want to show off at this critical moment, without even checking whether they have the ability."

The two acted in concert, throwing the court into turmoil; while the other ministers, fearing their power, mostly dared to be angry but not speak out.

And when the ministers directed their hopeful gazes toward the throne where Emperor Liu Ju sat, they actually discovered that the formerly wise and martial emperor was dozing off.

Everyone was instantly speechless.

At this moment, an official closely related to Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian stepped forward first, cupping his hands and saying to Liu Ju: "Your Majesty, Chancellor Tian is now ill, and the Grand Canal project cannot be delayed. Lord Chen Wenjin and Lord Li Xiangtian have long followed Chancellor Tian in handling affairs; they are thoroughly familiar with the Grand Canal project and are exceptionally capable."

"I believe we may appoint Lord Chen Wenjin as Left Chancellor and Lord Li Xiangtian as Right Chancellor; together they will surely advance the Grand Canal project smoothly, not disappointing Your Majesty's expectations."

This person spoke earnestly, full of confidence, as if Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian becoming chancellors were already a settled matter.

Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian stood to one side, appearing respectful on the surface, yet a hint of self-satisfaction flickered in their eyes.

Chen Wenjin slightly raised his head, thinking to himself: "This recommendation, we are sure to obtain. Once we become chancellors, this court will truly be our world."

Li Xiangtian slightly narrowed his eyes, a barely perceptible smile playing at the corner of his mouth, as if he had already seen the scene of himself holding great power.

However, not everyone in the court approved this recommendation.

Some upright ministers, long dissatisfied with Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian's daily arrogance and domineering behavior, now furrowed their brows.

An old minister could not help but stand up, saying with worry: "Your Majesty, although Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian serve in the Chancellor's office, their character and ability are truly inadequate to bear the heavy responsibility of chancellorship. The Grand Canal project concerns the nation's livelihood and requires a person of both virtue and talent to oversee it; if we rashly let these two take office, we fear it will ruin the undertaking."

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately gained the support of some ministers; the court instantly buzzed with discussion, voices of support and opposition intertwining.

Liu Ju sat on the throne, quietly listening to the ministers' debate, his expression calm, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.

But a flicker of coldness flashed in his eyes.

Facing the proposal by Tian Qiuqiu's faction to nominate Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian as Left and Right Chancellors, Liu Ju maintained a calm expression, slowly scanned the crowd, and spoke steadily.

"Your esteemed officials' proposal, I have heard clearly. However, although Chancellor Tian is ill, I believe he will surely recover soon and resume governance. Before his recovery, rashly changing the chancellorship may cause problems in the continuity of the Grand Canal project. Moreover, the chancellorship concerns the foundation of the state and must not be decided hastily. After Chancellor Tian recovers, I will again discuss this with your esteemed officials."

Liu Ju's words were reasonable and well-founded; although Tian Qiuqiu's faction felt dissatisfied, they could find no reason to rebut, and could only relent for now.

Under Liu Ju's covert prompting, Su Wu and Zhang Qian exchanged a glance, understanding each other tacitly.

Su Wu stepped forward first, speaking solemnly: "Your Majesty, if we speak of who can currently bear the responsibility of overseeing the Grand Canal project and the chancellorship, I believe none other than Grand General Huo Qubing. Grand General Huo Qubing's brilliant military achievements—defeating the Xiongnu to the north, suppressing rebellions and rival kings, and Sang Hongyang—have earned him unparalleled merit for our Han dynasty."

"He is steady in character, surpasses others in strategy, and possesses deep experience. Having him oversee the Grand Canal project will surely coordinate the whole situation, ensure the project proceeds smoothly, and at the same time assist Your Majesty in stabilizing the court."

Zhang Qian immediately stepped forward a pace, cupping his hands and echoing: "Su Wu's words are absolutely correct. General Huo Qubing not only excels in military talent, but also has considerable insight into governing affairs. With him, the Grand Canal project will surely be completed on schedule, and our Han dynasty will, under Your Majesty's leadership, stride toward new brilliance."

As soon as these words were spoken, the court immediately erupted in low murmurs of discussion.

Many ministers nodded in agreement, endorsing Su Wu and Zhang Qian's proposal.

Huo Qubing's achievements and prestige are known to all in the Han dynasty; he is indeed an extremely suitable candidate.

Chen Wenjin, Li Xiangtian, and the others, upon hearing the proposal to nominate Huo Qubing as chancellor, instantly had their faces turn extremely grim.

Who would have thought these old fogies would actually be waiting here?

And looking again at the emperor on the throne, who seemed quite interested, it was clear he also strongly approved this proposal.

Chen Wenjin, Li Xiangtian, and the others exchanged a glance and chose silence.

They are greedy but not stupid; everyone knows the weight of those two names, Huo Qubing, let alone when the recommenders are Su Wu and Zhang Qian.

The standing of these few in the emperor's heart is such that even if Tian Qiuqiu himself came, he could not compare!

Although they were full of resentment in their hearts, they could also find no reason to rebut.

Finally, under the unanimous recommendation of all, Liu Ju nodded slightly and declared: "Since all your esteemed officials approve, I will appoint Huo Qubing as chancellor, to oversee the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal project and court affairs. May Chancellor Huo Qubing not disappoint my and your expectations, and exert his utmost for the prosperity and flourishing of our Han dynasty."

Huo Qubing stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and loudly replied: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will devote myself completely, serving until death."

With the issuance of this appointment, the situation in the court underwent a major shift; the originally restless faction of Tian Qiuqiu.

Under Huo Qubing's prestige, they had no choice but to restrain their ambitions, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal project also welcomed a new overseer.

But at this moment, Huo Qubing himself, standing in the court, hearing this recommendation, was shocked beyond measure.

He never expected that Liu Ju would actually direct everyone to recommend him as chancellor.

Huo Qubing frowned tightly, secretly pondering: "Why exactly has Your Majesty done this? Although I have some military achievements, the chancellorship concerns court governance, a heavy responsibility—how could Your Majesty arrange such a thing?"

"Moreover, just a few days ago the emperor still wanted to abolish the chancellorship system, yet now he appoints himself as chancellor—this truly leaves people baffled."

Huo Qubing turned his gaze toward Liu Ju, trying to discern a clue from the emperor's expression, but Liu Ju's calm visage made him hard to read.

Su Wu, Zhang Qian, Wei Xiang, and others had long received Emperor Liu Ju's verbal instructions to act accordingly, yet inwardly they were equally astonished, not in the least less than Huo Qubing.

Although they deeply knew that Liu Ju's decisions were always carefully considered, this recommendation of Huo Qubing as chancellor truly exceeded their expectations.

What medicine is the emperor selling from his gourd?

Several people exchanged glances, all filled with doubt, yet being in the court they could not speak further.